Systems for downhole separation of gases from liquids having interchangeable fluid conductors

ABSTRACT

A reservoir fluid production system for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation is provided for mitigating gas interference by effecting downhole separation of a gaseous phase from reservoir fluids, while mitigating entrainment of liquid hydrocarbon material within the gaseous phase.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/626,357 filed on Feb. 5, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to mitigating downhole pump gas interference during hydrocarbon production.

BACKGROUND

Downhole pump gas interference is a problem encountered while producing wells, especially wells with horizontal sections. In producing reservoir fluids containing a significant fraction of gaseous material, the presence of such gaseous material hinders production by contributing to sluggish flow.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is provided a reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes:

-   -   a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;     -   an assembly-defining flow diverter counterpart configured for         co-operating with a wellbore string-defining flow diverter         counterpart of the wellbore string to define a flow diverter         including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, (ii) a         gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, and (iii) a         sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string such         that a sealed interface is defined for preventing, or         substantially preventing, flow communication, between the         downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space; and     -   a pump;     -   wherein:         -   the assembly is configured for co-operation with the             wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed             within the wellbore such that an intermediate wellbore space             is disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string and             such that the sealed interface is defined, and the downhole             wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the             subterranean formation:             -   the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid                 supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-diverting                 conductor;             -   the reservoir fluid that is being received by the                 reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the                 reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to a reservoir fluid                 separation space of the uphole wellbore space;             -   within the reservoir fluid separation space, a                 gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the                 discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least                 buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir                 fluid is obtained;             -   the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted,                 via the intermediate wellbore passage, to the                 gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and             -   the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being                 received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting                 conductor is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir                 fluid-diverting conductor to the pump for pressurizing                 by the pump;         -   the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasably             retained relative to the assembly-defined flow diverter             counterpart; and         -   while the assembly is disposed within a wellbore, the             reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasable from the             retention relative to the assembly-defined flow diverter             counterpart by a downhole tool.

In another aspect, there is provided parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes:

-   -   a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;     -   an assembly-defining flow diverter counterpart configured for         co-operating with a wellbore string-defining flow diverter         counterpart of the wellbore string to define a flow diverter         including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, (ii) a         gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, and (iii) a         sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string such         that a sealed interface is defined for preventing, or         substantially preventing, flow communication, between the         downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space; and     -   a pump;     -   wherein:         -   the assembly is configured for co-operation with the             wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed             within the wellbore such that an intermediate wellbore space             is disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string and             such that the sealed interface is defined, and the downhole             wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the             subterranean formation:         -   the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid             supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-diverting             conductor;         -   the reservoir fluid that is being received by the reservoir             fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the reservoir             fluid-diverting conductor to a reservoir fluid separation             space of the uphole wellbore space;         -   within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted             reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir             fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a             gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained;         -   the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted, via             the intermediate wellbore passage, to the gas-depleted             reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and         -   the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being             received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting             conductor is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir             fluid-diverting conductor to the pump for pressurizing by             the pump;     -   wherein the parts comprise:         -   first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts;         -   the assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart includes             first and second assembly-defined flow diverter             counterparts;         -   the first assembly counterpart includes the first             assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart;         -   the second assembly counterpart includes the second             assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart;         -   the third assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid             supplying conductor that is a first reservoir             fluid-supplying conductor;         -   the fourth assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid             supplying conductor that is a second reservoir             fluid-supplying conductor;         -   each one of the second, third, and fourth assembly             counterparts is configured for releasable retention relative             to the first assembly counterpart; and         -   the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts             are co-operatively configured such that:         -   while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and             includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts,             and the second and third assembly counterparts are             releasably retained relative to the first assembly             counterpart, interchangeability of the third assembly             counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, by the             second assembly counterpart, is prevented; and         -   while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and             includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts,             and the second and third assembly counterparts are             releasably retained relative to the first assembly             counterpart, in response to release of the second assembly             counterpart from retention relative to the first assembly             counterpart, the prevention of the interchangeability of the             third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly             counterpart, by the second assembly counterpart, is             defeated.

In another aspect, there is provided a process for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation comprising:

-   -   for a first time interval, while inducing displacement of         reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation into a wellbore,         within the wellbore:         -   via a first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, conducting             the reservoir fluid to a gas separator;         -   via the gas separator, separating gaseous material from the             reservoir fluid such that gas-depleted reservoir fluid is             obtained; and         -   conducting the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the surface;     -   after completion of the first time interval, suspending the         inducing of displacement of the reservoir fluid from the         subterranean formation to the wellbore;     -   while the inducing of displacement of reservoir fluid from the         subterranean formation to the wellbore is suspended, replacing         the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor with a second         reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; and     -   after the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor has been         replaced with a second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor,         resuming inducement of displacement of reservoir fluid from the         subterranean formation to the wellbore such that, within the         wellbore, the reservoir fluid is conducted, via a first         reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, a gas separator, with         effect that gaseous material is separated from the reservoir         fluid by the gas separator such that gas-depleted reservoir         fluid is obtained and conducted to the surface.

In another aspect, there is provided a reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes:

-   -   a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;     -   an assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart which is         configured to co-operate with a wellbore string-defined flow         diverter counterpart, of the wellbore string, to define a flow         diverter within the wellbore, wherein the flow diverter         includes: (i) a reservoir fluid-conducting passage that is         fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor,         and (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage; and     -   a pump disposed in fluid communication with the gas-depleted         reservoir fluid-conducting passage;     -   wherein:         -   the assembly is configured for co-operation with the             wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed             within the wellbore such that the flow diverter is defined,             and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid             from the subterranean formation:             -   the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid                 supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-conducting                 passage of the flow diverter;             -   the reservoir fluid, that is being received by the                 reservoir fluid-conducting passage, is conducted by the                 reservoir fluid-conducting passage to a reservoir fluid                 separation space of the uphole wellbore space;             -   within the reservoir fluid separation space, a                 gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the                 discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least                 buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir                 fluid is obtained; and             -   the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage                 receives the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid,                 that is flowing in a downhole direction, and diverts the                 flow of the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid such                 that the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid is                 conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting                 passage in the uphole direction to the pump for                 pressurizing by the pump;         -   the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasably             retained relative to the assembly-defined flow diverter             counterpart; and         -   while the assembly is disposed within a wellbore, the             reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasable from the             retention relative to the assembly-defined flow diverter             counterpart by a downhole tool.

In another aspect, there is provided parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes:

-   -   a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;     -   an assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart which is         configured to co-operate with a wellbore string-defined flow         diverter counterpart, of the wellbore string, to define a flow         diverter within the wellbore, wherein the flow diverter         includes: (i) a reservoir fluid-conducting passage that is         fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor,         and (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage; and     -   a pump disposed in fluid communication with the gas-depleted         reservoir fluid-conducting passage;     -   wherein:         -   the assembly is configured for co-operation with the             wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed             within the wellbore such that the flow diverter is defined,             and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid             from the subterranean formation:         -   the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid             supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-conducting             passage of the flow diverter;         -   the reservoir fluid, that is being received by the reservoir             fluid-conducting passage, is conducted by the reservoir             fluid-conducting passage to a reservoir fluid separation             space of the uphole wellbore space;         -   within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted             reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir             fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a             gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; and         -   the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage receives             the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid, that is flowing             in a downhole direction, and diverts the flow of the             received gas-depleted reservoir fluid such that the received             gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted by the             gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage in the             uphole direction to the pump for pressurizing by the pump;     -   wherein:         -   the parts comprise first, second, third, and fourth assembly             counterparts;         -   the assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart includes             first and second assembly-defined flow diverter             counterparts;         -   the first assembly counterpart includes the first             assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart;         -   the second assembly counterpart includes the second             assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart;         -   the third assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid             supplying conductor that is a first reservoir             fluid-supplying conductor;         -   the fourth assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid             supplying conductor that is a second reservoir             fluid-supplying conductor;         -   each one of the second, third, and fourth assembly             counterparts is configured for releasable retention relative             to the first assembly counterpart; and         -   the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts             are co-operatively configured such that:             -   while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and                 includes the first, second and third assembly                 counterparts, and the second and third assembly                 counterparts are releasably retained relative to the                 first assembly counterpart, interchangeability of the                 third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly                 counterpart, by the second assembly counterpart, is                 prevented; and             -   while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and                 includes the first, second and third assembly                 counterparts, and the second and third assembly                 counterparts are releasably retained relative to the                 first assembly counterpart, in response to release of                 the second assembly counterpart from retention relative                 to the first assembly counterpart, the prevention of the                 interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart                 with the fourth assembly counterpart, by the second                 assembly counterpart, is defeated.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of deploying a reservoir fluid production assembly downhole within a wellbore;

-   -   wherein the reservoir fluid production assembly is for producing         reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore         that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore         includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a         downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the         uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the         downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes:         -   a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;         -   an assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart which is             configured to co-operate with a wellbore string-defined flow             diverter counterpart, of the wellbore string, to define a             flow diverter within the wellbore, wherein the flow diverter             includes: (i) a reservoir fluid-conducting passage that is             fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying             conductor, (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting             passage, and (iii) an actuatable sealed interface effector             for engaging the wellbore string for establishing a sealed             interface within the wellbore for preventing, or             substantially preventing, flow communication between the             uphole wellbore space and the downhole wellbore space; and         -   a pump disposed in fluid communication with the gas-depleted             reservoir fluid-conducting passage;         -   wherein:             -   the assembly is configured for co-operation with the                 wellbore string such that, while the assembly is                 disposed within the wellbore such that the flow diverter                 is defined, and the downhole wellbore space is receiving                 reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation:                 -   the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir                     fluid supplying-conductor to the reservoir                     fluid-conducting passage of the flow diverter;                 -   the reservoir fluid, that is being received by the                     reservoir fluid-conducting passage, is conducted by                     the reservoir fluid-conducting passage to a                     reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole                     wellbore space;                 -   within the reservoir fluid separation space, a                     gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the                     discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least                     buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir                     fluid is obtained; and                 -   the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage                     receives the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid,                     that is flowing in a downhole direction, and diverts                     the flow of the received gas-depleted reservoir                     fluid such that the received gas-depleted reservoir                     fluid is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir                     fluid-conducting passage in the uphole direction to                     the pump for pressurizing by the pump;         -   wherein the method includes:             -   emplacing the assembly within the wellbore, with effect                 that the assembly becomes disposed within the wellbore;                 and             -   after the assembly has become disposed within the                 wellbore, actuating the sealed interface effector, with                 effect that the sealed interface is obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a reservoir fluid production assembly disposed within a wellbore;

FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a flow diverter of embodiments of the system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of the flow diverter of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of the flow diverter of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the exterior of flow diverter;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation view of the flow diverter in FIG. 3 taken along lines G-G, showing the flow diverter established by the disposition of a flow diverter-effecting insert within the passageway of the insert-receiving part, and with the flow diverter-effecting insert releasably coupled by a lock mandrel to the insert-receiving part;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of Detail “A” in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of the insert-receiving part of a flow diverter;

FIG. 6B is a sectional elevation view of the insert-receiving part illustrated in FIG. 6A, taken along lines A-A;

FIG. 6C is an axial view taken along lines B-B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is an axial view taken along lines C-C in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6E is an axial view taken along lines D-D in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of one side of the flow diverter-effecting insert;

FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of the flow diverter-effecting insert, taken along lines F-F in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the flowpaths within the flow diverter illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, showing a flow diverter body that is comprised of an insert-receiving part and a flow diverter-effecting insert part; and

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the system in FIG. 10, after the pump and the flow diverter-effecting insert having been removed from the wellbore.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “up”, “upward”, “upper”, or “uphole”, mean, relativistically, in closer proximity to the surface 106 and further away from the bottom of the wellbore, when measured along the longitudinal axis of the wellbore 102. The terms “down”, “downward”, “lower”, or “downhole” mean, relativistically, further away from the surface 106 and in closer proximity to the bottom of the wellbore 102, when measured along the longitudinal axis of the wellbore 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are provided systems 8, with associated apparatuses, for producing hydrocarbons from a reservoir, such as an oil reservoir, within a subterranean formation 100, when reservoir pressure within the oil reservoir is insufficient to conduct hydrocarbons to the surface 106 through a wellbore 102.

The wellbore 102 can be straight, curved, or branched. The wellbore 102 can have various wellbore portions. A wellbore portion is an axial length of a wellbore 102. A wellbore portion can be characterized as “vertical” or “horizontal” even though the actual axial orientation can vary from true vertical or true horizontal, and even though the axial path can tend to “corkscrew” or otherwise vary. The term “horizontal”, when used to describe a wellbore portion, refers to a horizontal or highly deviated wellbore portion as understood in the art, such as, for example, a wellbore portion having a longitudinal axis that is between about 70 and about 110 degrees from vertical. The term “vertical”, when used to describe a wellbore portion, refers to a vertical or highly deviated vertical portion as understood in the art, such as, for example, a wellbore portion having a longitudinal axis that is less than about 20 degrees from the vertical.

“Reservoir fluid” is fluid that is contained within an oil reservoir. Reservoir fluid may be liquid material, gaseous material, or a mixture of liquid material and gaseous material. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid includes water and hydrocarbons, such as oil, natural gas condensates, or any combination thereof.

Fluids may be injected into the oil reservoir through the wellbore to effect stimulation of the reservoir fluid. For example, such fluid injection is effected during hydraulic fracturing, water flooding, water disposal, gas floods, gas disposal (including carbon dioxide sequestration), steam-assisted gravity drainage (“SAGD”) or cyclic steam stimulation (“CSS”). In some embodiments, for example, the same wellbore is utilized for both stimulation and production operations, such as for hydraulically fractured formations or for formations subjected to CSS. In some embodiments, for example, different wellbores are used, such as for formations subjected to SAGD, or formations subjected to waterflooding.

A wellbore string 113 is employed within the wellbore 102 for stabilizing the subterranean formation 100. In some embodiments, for example, the wellbore string 113 also contributes to effecting fluidic isolation of one zone within the subterranean formation 100 from another zone within the subterranean formation 100.

The fluid productive portion of the wellbore 102 may be completed either as a cased-hole completion or an open-hole completion.

A cased-hole completion involves running wellbore casing down into the wellbore through the production zone. In this respect, in the cased-hole completion, the wellbore string 113 includes wellbore casing.

The annular region between the deployed wellbore casing and the oil reservoir may be filled with cement for effecting zonal isolation (see below). The cement is disposed between the wellbore casing and the oil reservoir for the purpose of effecting isolation, or substantial isolation, of one or more zones of the oil reservoir from fluids disposed in another zone of the oil reservoir. Such fluids include reservoir fluid being produced from another zone of the oil reservoir (in some embodiments, for example, such reservoir fluid being flowed through a production tubing string disposed within and extending through the wellbore casing to the surface), or injected fluids such as water, gas (including carbon dioxide), or stimulations fluids such as fracturing fluid or acid. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the cement is provided for effecting sealing, or substantial sealing, of flow communication between one or more zones of the oil reservoir and one or more others zones of the oil reservoir (for example, such as a zone that is being produced). By effecting the sealing, or substantial sealing, of such flow communication, isolation, or substantial isolation, of one or more zones of the oil reservoir, from another subterranean zone (such as a producing formation), is achieved. Such isolation or substantial isolation is desirable, for example, for mitigating contamination of a water table within the oil reservoir by the reservoir fluid (e.g. oil, gas, salt water, or combinations thereof) being produced, or the above-described injected fluids.

In some embodiments, for example, the cement is disposed as a sheath within an annular region between the wellbore casing and the oil reservoir. In some embodiments, for example, the cement is bonded to both of the production casing and the oil reservoir.

In some embodiments, for example, the cement also provides one or more of the following functions: (a) strengthens and reinforces the structural integrity of the wellbore, (b) prevents, or substantially prevents, produced reservoir fluid of one zone from being diluted by water from other zones. (c) mitigates corrosion of the wellbore casing, (d) at least contributes to the support of the wellbore casing, and e) allows for segmentation for stimulation and fluid inflow control purposes.

The cement is introduced to an annular region between the wellbore casing and the oil reservoir after the subject wellbore casing has been run into the wellbore. This operation is known as “cementing”.

In some embodiments, for example, the wellbore casing includes one or more casing strings, each of which is positioned within the well bore, having one end extending from the well head. In some embodiments, for example, each casing string is defined by jointed segments of pipe. The jointed segments of pipe typically have threaded connections.

Typically, a wellbore contains multiple intervals of concentric casing strings, successively deployed within the previously run casing. With the exception of a liner string, casing strings typically run back up to the surface 106. Typically, casing string sizes are intentionally minimized to minimize costs during well construction. Generally, smaller casing sizes make production and artificial lofting more challenging.

For wells that are used for producing reservoir fluid, few of these actually produce through wellbore casing. This is because producing fluids can corrode steel or form undesirable deposits (for example, scales, asphaltenes or paraffin waxes) and the larger diameter can make flow unstable. In this respect, a production string is usually installed inside the last casing string. The production string is provided to conduct reservoir fluid, received within the wellbore, to the wellhead 116. In some embodiments, for example. the annular region between the last casing string and the production tubing string may be sealed at the bottom by a packer.

To facilitate flow communication between the reservoir and the wellbore, the wellbore casing may be perforated, or otherwise include per-existing ports (which may be selectively openable, such as, for example, by shifting a sleeve), to provide a fluid passage for enabling flow of reservoir fluid from the reservoir to the wellbore.

In some embodiments, for example, the wellbore casing is set short of total depth. Hanging off from the bottom of the wellbore casing, with a liner hanger or packer, is a liner string. The liner string can be made from the same material as the casing string, but, unlike the casing string, the liner string does not extend back to the wellhead 116. Cement may be provided within the annular region between the liner string and the oil reservoir for effecting zonal isolation (see below), but is not in all cases. In some embodiments, for example, this liner is perforated to effect flow communication between the reservoir and the wellbore. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the liner string can also be a screen or is slotted. In some embodiments, for example, the production tubing string may be engaged or stung into the liner string, thereby providing a fluid passage for conducting the produced reservoir fluid to the wellhead 116. In some embodiments, for example, no cemented liner is installed, and this is called an open hole completion or uncemented casing completion.

An open-hole completion is effected by drilling down to the top of the producing formation, and then lining the wellbore (such as, for example, with a wellbore string 113). The wellbore is then drilled through the producing formation, and the bottom of the wellbore is left open (i.e. uncased), to effect flow communication between the reservoir and the wellbore. Open-hole completion techniques include bare foot completions, pre-drilled and pre-slotted liners, and open-hole sand control techniques such as stand-alone screens, open hole gravel packs and open hole expandable screens. Packers and casing can segment the open hole into separate intervals and ported subs can be used to effect flow communication between the reservoir and the wellbore.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, a production assembly 10 is provided for effecting production of reservoir fluid from the reservoir 104 of the subterranean formation 100.

In some embodiments, for example, a wellbore fluid conductor 113, such as, for example, the wellbore string 113 (such as, for example, the casing 113), is disposed within the wellbore 102. The assembly 10 is configured for disposition within the wellbore fluid conductor 113, such that an intermediate wellbore passage 112 is defined within the wellbore fluid conductor 113, between the assembly 10 and the wellbore fluid conductor 113. In some embodiments, for example, the intermediate wellbore passage 112 is an annular space disposed between the assembly 10 and the wellbore string 113. In some embodiments, for example, the intermediate wellbore passage 112 is defined by the space that extends outwardly, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the assembly 10, from the assembly 10 to the wellbore fluid conductor 113. In some embodiments, for example, the intermediate wellbore passage 112 extends longitudinally to the wellhead 116, between the assembly 10 and the wellbore string 113.

The production assembly 10 includes a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 and an uphole-disposed reservoir fluid-conducting assembly 14. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is in the form of tubing, such as coiled tubing, or a substantial portion of the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is in the form of tubing, such as coiled tubing. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is in the form of a hose, such as, for example, a braided hose, or a substantial portion of the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is in the form of a hose, such as, for example, a braided hose. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is releasably retained relative to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12. The uphole-disposed reservoir fluid-conducting assembly 14 defines a passage 14A.

The reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is configured for receiving and conducting reservoir fluid, received within the wellbore 102 from the subterranean formation, to the uphole-disposed reservoir fluid-conducting assembly 14.

The uphole-disposed reservoir fluid-conducting assembly 14 includes a pump 300 for receiving reservoir fluid and, through mechanical action, pressurizing reservoir fluid such that the pressurized reservoir fluid is conducted uphole, via a reservoir fluid-producing conductor 210, to an outlet 208 disposed at the surface 106, and thereby effect production of the reservoir fluid. It is understood that the reservoir fluid being conducted uphole through the wellbore 102, via the assembly 10, may be additionally energized by supplemental means, including by gas-lift. In some embodiments, for example, the pump 300 is a sucker rod pump. Other suitable pumps 300 include screw pumps, electrical submersible pumps, and jet pumps.

As discussed above, the wellbore 102 is disposed in flow communication (such as through perforations provided within the installed casing or liner, or by virtue of the open hole configuration of the completion), or is selectively disposable into flow communication (such as by perforating the installed casing, or by actuating a valve to effect opening of a port), with the reservoir 104. When disposed in flow communication with the reservoir 104, the wellbore 102 is disposed for receiving reservoir fluid flow from the reservoir 104.

It is preferable to remove at least a fraction of the gaseous material from the reservoir fluid received by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12, prior to the pump suction 302, in order to mitigate gas interference or gas lock conditions during pump operation. In this respect, the uphole-disposed reservoir fluid-conducting assembly 14 includes a flow diverter 600 for receiving reservoir fluid flow from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12, effecting removal of at least a fraction of the gaseous material from the received reservoir fluid such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained, and conducting the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the pump.

In this respect, the flow diverter 600 is disposed uphole relative to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 and is fluid coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 for receiving reservoir fluid being conducted by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12. The flow diverter is also disposed downhole relative to the pump 300 and is fluidly coupled to the pump suction 302 for supplying the pump 300 with the gas-depleted reservoir fluid. In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter 600 is disposed within a vertical portion of the wellbore 102 that extends to the surface 106.

In some embodiments, the flow diverter 600 includes a wellbore string counterpart 600B and an assembly counterpart 600C. The wellbore string 113 defines the wellbore string counterpart 600B, and the assembly 10 defines the assembly counterpart 600C. The flow diverter 600 defines: (i) a reservoir fluid-conducting passage 6002 for diverted reservoir fluid, received within the downhole wellbore space from the reservoir 104, to a reservoir fluid separation space 112X of the wellbore 102, with effect that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the reservoir fluid within the reservoir fluid separation space 112X in response to at least buoyancy forces; and (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage 6004 for receiving the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid while the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is flowing in a downhole direction, and diverting the flow of the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid such that the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted by the flow diverter 600 in the uphole direction to the pump 300.

In some embodiments, for example, the assembly counterpart 600C includes a fluid diverter body 600A.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body 600A is configured such that the depletion of gaseous material from the reservoir fluid material, that is effected while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 102, is effected externally of the flow diverter body 600A within the wellbore 102, such as, for example, within an uphole wellbore space 108 of the wellbore 102.

The flow diverter body 600A includes a reservoir fluid receiver 602 for receiving the reservoir fluid (such as, for example, in the form of a reservoir fluid flow) that is being conducted (e.g. flowed), via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 from its inlet 204. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 extends to the receiver 602. In this respect, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 204. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid receiver 602 includes one or more ports 602A for receiving reservoir fluid being conducted by the fluid-supplying conductor 12.

The flow diverter body 600A also includes a reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 that is fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid receiver 602 via a reservoir fluid-conductor 603. In this respect, the reservoir fluid conductor 603 defines at least a portion of the reservoir fluid-conducting passage 6002.

The reservoir fluid conductor 603 defines one or more reservoir fluid conductor passages 603A. In some of the embodiments described below, for example, the one or more reservoir fluid-conducting passages 603A.

The reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 is configured for discharging reservoir fluid (such as, for example, in the form of a flow) that is received by the reservoir fluid receiver 602 and conducted to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 via the reservoir fluid conductor 603. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 is disposed at an opposite end of the flow diverter body 600A relative to the reservoir fluid receiver 602. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 includes one or more ports 604A.

The flow diverter body 600A also includes a gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 for receiving a gas-depleted reservoir fluid (such as, for example, in the form of a flow), after gaseous material has been separated from the reservoir fluid (for example, a reservoir fluid flow), that has been discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, in response to at least buoyancy forces. In this respect, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 and the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 are co-operatively configured such that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 is disposed for receiving a gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow, after gaseous material has been separated from the received reservoir fluid flow that has been discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, in response to at least buoyancy forces. In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 is disposed at an opposite end of the flow diverter body 600A relative to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608. In some embodiments, for example, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 includes one or more ports 608A.

The flow diverter body 600A also includes a gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor 610 that defines a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage 610A configured for conducting the gas-depleted reservoir fluid (for example, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow), received by the receiver 608, to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 611. In some embodiments, for example, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 611 is disposed at an opposite end of the flow diverter body 600A relative to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608. The gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 611 is configured for fluid coupling to the pump 300, wherein the fluid coupling is for supplying the pump 300 with the gas-depleted reservoir fluid received by the receiver 610 and conducted through at least the gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor 610. In this respect, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage 610A defines at least a portion of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage 6004. In some embodiments, for example, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator includes one or more ports 611A.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 is oriented such that, a ray (see, for example ray 604B), that is disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the reservoir fluid discharge communicator, is disposed in an uphole direction at an acute angle of less than 30 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the wellbore portion within which the flow diverter body 600A is disposed.

Again referring to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 is oriented such that, a ray (see, for example ray 604B), that is disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, is disposed in an uphole direction at an acute angle of less than 30 degrees relative to the vertical (which includes disposition of the ray 604B along a vertical axis).

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body 600A includes the reservoir fluid receiver 602, the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, and the reservoir fluid conductor 603 (such as, for example, in the form of a fluid passage or a network of fluid passages), for fluidly coupling the receiver 602 and the discharge communicator 604. The flow diverter body 600A also includes the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 611, and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor 610 (such as, for example, in the form of a fluid passage or a network of fluid passages) for fluidly coupling the receiver 608 to the discharge communicator 611.

The assembly counterpart 600C also includes a wellbore sealed interface effector 400 configured for interacting with a wellbore feature for defining a wellbore sealed interface 500 within the wellbore 102, between: (a) an uphole wellbore space 108 of the wellbore 102, and (b) a downhole wellbore space 110 of the wellbore 102, while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 102.

In some embodiments, for example, the disposition of the sealed interface 500 is such that flow communication, via the intermediate wellbore passage 112, between an uphole wellbore space 108 and a downhole wellbore space 110 (and across the sealed interface 500), is prevented, or substantially prevented. In some embodiments, for example, the disposition of the sealed interface 500 is such that fluid flow, across the sealed interface 500, in a downhole direction, from the uphole wellbore space 108 to the downhole wellbore space 110, is prevented, or substantially prevented.

In such embodiments, for example, the disposition of the sealed interface 500 is effected by the combination of at least: (i) a sealed, or substantially sealed, disposition of the wellbore string 113 relative to a polished bore receptacle 114 (such as that effected by a packer 240A disposed between the wellbore string 113 and the polished bore receptacle 114), and (ii) a sealed, or substantially sealed, disposition of a flow diverter body portion 601 relative to the polished bore receptacle 114. In this respect, the sealed interface 500 functions to prevent, or substantially prevented, reservoir fluid flow, that is received within the wellbore 102 (that is lined with the wellbore string 113), from bypassing the reservoir fluid receiver 602, and, as a corollary, the reservoir fluid is directed to the reservoir fluid receiver 602 for receiving by the reservoir fluid receiver 602. As well, the sealed interface 500 functions to prevent, or substantially prevented, gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow, that has been separated from the reservoir fluid discharged into the wellbore 102 from the discharge communicator 604, from bypassing the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 and, as a corollary, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid is directed to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 for receiving by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608.

In some embodiments, for example, the sealed, or substantially sealed, disposition of the flow diverter body portion 601 relative to the polished bore receptacle 114 is effected by a latch seal assembly. A suitable latch seal assembly is a Weatherford' Thread-Latch Anchor Seal Assembly™.

In some embodiments, for example, the sealed, or substantially sealed, disposition of the flow diverter body portion 601 relative to the polished bore receptacle 114 is effected by one or more o-rings or seal-type Chevron rings. In this respect, the sealing interface effector 400 includes the o-rings, or includes the seal-type Chevron rings.

In some embodiments, for example, the sealed, or substantially sealed, disposition of the flow diverter body portion 601 relative to the polished bore receptacle 114 is disposed in an interference fit with the polished bore receptacle. In some of these embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body portion 601 is landed or engaged or “stung” within the polished bore receptacle 114.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body portion 601 defines a passage, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is disposed within the passage.

The above-described disposition of the wellbore sealed interface 500 provide for conditions which minimize solid debris accumulation in the joint between the flow diverter body portion 601 and the polished bore receptacle 114 or in the joint between the polished bore receptacle 114 and the wellbore string 113. By providing for conditions which minimize solid debris accumulation within the joint, interference to movement of the separator relative to the liner, or the casing, as the case may be, which could be effected by accumulated solid debris, is mitigated.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, for example, the sealed interface 500 is disposed within a section of the wellbore 102 whose axis 102A is disposed at an angle “α” of at least 60 degrees relative to the vertical “V”. In some of these embodiments, for example, the sealed interface 500 is disposed within a section of the wellbore whose axis is disposed at an angle “α” of at least 85 degrees relative to the vertical “V”. In this respect, disposing the sealed interface 500 within a wellbore section having such wellbore inclinations minimizes solid debris accumulation at the sealed interface 500.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body 600, the sealed interface effector 400, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12, are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore string 113 such that the sealed interface 500 is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space 110 that has been received within the downhole wellbore space 110 from the subterranean formation 100:

-   -   the reservoir fluid is conducted to the reservoir fluid receiver         602 via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12;     -   the reservoir fluid is conducted as a flow 802 to the reservoir         fluid discharge communicator 604 by the reservoir fluid         conductor 603 and discharged as a flow 804 to the reservoir         fluid separation space 112X of the uphole wellbore space 108;     -   within the reservoir fluid separation space 112X, a gas-depleted         reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir         fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained;     -   the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted as a         flow 806 to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 via         the intermediate wellbore passage 112, and the received         gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted as a flow 808 from the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 to the pump 300 via at         least the conductor 610 and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid         discharge communicator 611.

In this respect, in such embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the space within the intermediate wellbore space 112, between the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, defines at least a portion of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage 6004.

Once received by the pump 300, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid is pressurized by the pump 300 and conducted to the surface via the reservoir fluid-producing conductor 210.

Also, the separation of gaseous material from the reservoir fluid is with effect that a liquid-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained and is conducted uphole (in the gaseous phase, or at least primarily in the gaseous phase with relatively small amounts of entrained liquid) as a flow 810 via the intermediate wellbore passage 112 that is disposed between the assembly 10 and the wellbore string 113 (see above).

The reservoir fluid produced from the subterranean formation 100, via the wellbore 102, including the gas-depleted reservoir fluid, the liquid-depleted reservoir material, or both, may be discharged through the wellhead 116 to a collection facility, such as a storage tank within a battery.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body 600A is configured such that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 is disposed downhole relative to (such as, for example, vertically below) the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, with effect that the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted in a downhole direction to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608.

In some embodiments, for example, separation of gaseous material, from the reservoir fluid that is being discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, is effected within an uphole-disposed space 1121X of the intermediate wellbore passage 112, the uphole-disposed space 1121X being disposed uphole relative to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid separation space 112X includes the uphole-disposed space 1121X.

In some embodiments, for example, a flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y of the intermediate wellbore passage 112 is disposed within a space between the flow diverter body 600A and the wellbore string 113, and effects flow communication between the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 for effecting conducting of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608. In this respect, in such embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y defines at least a portion of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage 6004.

In some embodiments, for example, the space between the flow diverter body 600A and the wellbore string 113, within which the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y is disposed, is an annular space. In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body-defined intermediate space 1121Y is defined by the entirety, or the substantial entirety, of the space between the flow diverter body 600A and the wellbore string 113. In some embodiments, for example, separation of gaseous material, from the reservoir fluid that is discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, is effected within the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, at least a portion of the reservoir fluid separation space 112X is co-located with at least a portion of the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y.

In some embodiments, for example, the separation of gaseous material, from the reservoir fluid that is being discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, is effected within both of the uphole-disposed space 1121X and the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid is discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 into the uphole wellbore space 1121X, and, in response to at least buoyancy forces, the gaseous material is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, while the reservoir fluid is being conducted downhole, from the uphole-disposed space 1121X, through the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y, and to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the uphole-disposed space 1121X is merged with the flow diverter body-defined intermediate wellbore passage portion 1121Y

In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid separation space 112X spans a continuous space extending from the assembly to the wellbore string 113, and the continuous space extends outwardly relative to the central longitudinal axis of the assembly 10.

In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid separation space 112X spans a continuous space extending from the assembly to the wellbore string 113, and the continuous space extends outwardly relative to the central longitudinal axis of the wellbore 102.

In some embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid separation space 112X is disposed within a vertical portion of the wellbore 102 that extends to the surface 106.

In some embodiments, for example, the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional flow area of the reservoir fluid separation space 112X to the maximum cross-sectional flow area of the fluid passage 12A defined by the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is at least about 1.5.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter body 600A further includes a shroud 620 co-operatively disposed relative to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 such that the shroud 620 projects below the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 and interferes with conduction of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 The shroud 620 provides increased residence time for separation of gaseous material within the intermediate fluid passage 112.

In those embodiments where the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 is disposed below the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, in some of these embodiments, for example, the shroud 620 projects below the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, such that gas-depleted reservoir fluid being conducted downhole to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 is directed below the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 by the shroud 620.

In some embodiments, for example, the space, between: (a) the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 of the flow diverter body 600A, and (b) the sealed interface 500, defines a sump 700 for collection of solid particulate that is entrained within fluid being discharged from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 of the flow diverter body 600A, and the sump 700 has a volume of at least 0.1 m³. In some embodiments, for example, the volume is at least 0.5 m³. In some embodiments, for example, the volume is at least 1.0 m³. In some embodiments, for example, the volume is at least 3.0 m³.

By providing for the sump 700 having the above-described volumetric space characteristic, and/or the above-described minimum separation distance characteristic, a suitable space is provided for collecting relative large volumes of solid debris, from the gas-depleted reservoir fluid being flowed downwardly to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, such that interference by the accumulated solid debris with the production of oil through the system is mitigated. This increases the run-time of the system before any maintenance is required. As well, because the solid debris is deposited over a larger area, the propensity for the collected solid debris to interfere with movement of the flow diverter body 600A within the wellbore 102, such as during maintenance (for example, a workover) is reduced.

As above-described, the reservoir fluid-producing conductor 210 extends from the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 611 to the wellhead 116 for effecting flow communication between the discharge communicator 611 and the earth's surface 106, such as, for example, a collection facility located at the earth's surface 106, and defines a fluid passage 210A.

In some embodiments, for example, the length of the fluid-supplying conductor 12, as measured along the central longitudinal axis of the fluid-supplying conductor 12, is at least 500 feet, such as, for example, at least 750 feet, such as, for example at least 1000 feet.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter 600 is disposed uphole of a horizontal section 102C of the wellbore 102, such as, in some embodiments, for example, within a vertical section 102A, or, in some embodiments, for example, within a transition section 102B.

In some embodiments, for example, the central longitudinal axis of the passage 102CC of the horizontal section 102C is disposed along an axis that is between about 70 and about 110 degrees relative to the vertical “V”, the central longitudinal axis of the passage 102AA of the vertical section 102A is disposed along an axis that is less than about 20 degrees from the vertical “V”, and the transition section 102B is disposed between the sections 102A and 102C. In some embodiments, for example, the transition section 102B joins the sections 102A and 102C. In some embodiments, for example, the vertical section 102A extends from the transition section 102B to the surface 106.

In some of these embodiments, for example, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 extends from the flow diverter 600, in a downhole direction, into the horizontal section 102C, such that the inlet 204 is disposed within the horizontal section 102C.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in some embodiments, for example, the assembly 10 is configured such that, while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 10, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is releasable from the retention relative to the uphole-disposed reservoir fluid-conducting assembly 14 and replaceable with another reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 having a smaller minimum cross-sectional flow area.

In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, parts for assembly to obtain the production assembly 10 are provided, and the parts include first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D. The assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart 600C includes first and second assembly-defined flow diverter counterparts 6002, 6004. The first assembly counterpart 10A includes the first assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart 6002, and the second assembly counterpart 10B includes the second assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart 6004. The third assembly counterpart 10C includes a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 that is a first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12, and the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 defines a fluid passage having a minimum cross-sectional flow area. The fourth assembly counterpart 10D includes a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 that is a second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12, and the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 defines a fluid passage having a minimum cross-sectional flow area that is less than the minimum cross-sectional flow area of the fluid passage defined by the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12.

Each one of the second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts 10B, 10C, and 10D is configured for releasable retention relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A

The first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are co-operatively configured such that:

-   -   while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 10 and         includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts 10A,         10B, 10C, and the second and third assembly counterparts 10B,         10C are releasably retained relative to the first assembly         counterpart 10A, interchangeability of the third assembly         counterpart 10C with the fourth assembly counterpart 10D is         prevented; and     -   while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 10 and         includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts 10A,         10B, 10C, and the second and third assembly counterparts 10B,         10C are releasably retained relative to the first assembly         counterpart 10A, in response to release of the second assembly         counterpart 10B from retention relative to the first assembly         counterpart 10A, the prevention of the interchangeability of the         third assembly counterpart 10C with the fourth assembly         counterpart 10D is defeated.

In some embodiments, for example, the third assembly counterpart 10C is connected to the second assembly counterpart 10B, such that release of the third assembly counterpart 10C from retention relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A is effected by the release of the second assembly counterpart 10B relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A. In some of these embodiments, for example, in response to release of the second assembly counterpart 10B from retention relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A, both of the second and third assembly counterparts 10B, 10C become displaceable relative to the first assembly counterpart for defeating occlusion of a workstring-conducting passageway 626 such that the fourth assembly counterpart 10D is conductible through the workstring-conducting passageway 626 for releasable coupling to the first assembly counterpart 10A.

In some embodiments, for example, the releasable retention of the second assembly counterpart 10B relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A is independent of the releasable retention of the third assembly counterpart 10C relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A. In other words, each one of the first and second assembly counterparts 10B, 10C, independently, is configured for releasable retention relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A.

In this respect, the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are co-operatively configured such that:

-   -   while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 10 and         includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts 10A,         10B, 10C, and each one of the second and third assembly         counterparts 10B, 10C, independently, is releasably retained         relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A, interchanging of         the third assembly counterpart 10C with the fourth assembly         counterpart, is prevented by occlusion of a         workstring-conducting passageway 626 by the second assembly         counterpart 10B; and     -   while the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore 10 and         includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts 10A,         10B, 10C, and each one of the second and third assembly         counterparts 10B, 10C, independently, is releasably retained         relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A, in response to         the release of the second assembly counterpart 10B from the         retention relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A, the         second assembly counterpart 10B becomes displaceable relative to         the first assembly counterpart 10A for defeating the occlusion         of the workstring-conducting passageway 626 by the second         assembly counterpart 10B such that the prevention of the         interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart 10C with         the fourth assembly counterpart 10D is defeated.

In some embodiments, for example, the preventing of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart 10C with the fourth assembly counterpart 10D includes preventing of release of the retention of the third assembly counterpart 10C relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A, and the defeating of the preventing of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart 10C with the fourth assembly counterpart 10D includes defeating of the preventing of release of the retention of the third assembly counterpart 10C relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A such that the third assembly counterpart 10C becomes releasable from the retention relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A for effecting displacement of the third assembly counterpart 10C relative to the first assembly counterpart such that occlusion to the workstring-conducting passageway 626 by the third assembly counterpart 10C is defeated with effect that the fourth assembly counterpart 10D is conductible through the workstring-conducting passageway 626 for effecting releasable coupling of the fourth assembly counterpart 10D to the first assembly counterpart 10A such that an assembly 10 is obtained that includes the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12.

In some embodiments, for example, the minimum cross-sectional flow area of the fluid passage defined by second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is less than the minimum cross-sectional flow area of the fluid passage defined by the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12. In some embodiments, for example, the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional flow area of the fluid passage defined by the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 to the minimum cross-sectional flow area of the fluid passage defined by the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is less than about 0.9, such as, for example, less than about 0.8, such as, for example, less than 0.7.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3-5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 7-9, in some embodiments, for example, the first assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart 6002 includes an insert-receiving part 622 (see FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B, and 6C). The insert-receiving part 622 defines a reservoir fluid receiver 602, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 612, and a passageway 626 extending from the reservoir fluid receiver 602 to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 612. The insert-receiving part 622 is configured for integration into the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14, such as, for example, by threaded coupling, such that the assembly 14 includes the insert-receiving part 622.

In some embodiments, for example, the second assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart 6004 includes a flow diverter-effecting insert 624 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) configured for insertion within the passageway 626. The flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is co-operatively configured with the insert-receiving part 622 such that the flow diverter body 600A is defined while the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is disposed within the passageway 626. The flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is disposed in a flow diverter-defining position when the flow diverter-effecting insert 624, while disposed within the passageway 626 of the insert-receiving part 622, is disposed such that the flow diverter body 600A is defined and functions as above-described.

The insert-receiving part 622 further defines both of the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 and the gas-depleted reservoir receiver 608. The reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 is disposed in fluid communication with the passageway 626, and the gas-depleted reservoir receiver 608 is also disposed in fluid communication with the passageway 626.

In some embodiments, for example, the insert-receiving part 622 and the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly 10, having the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 disposed within the passageway 626 of the insert-receiving part 622, is disposed within the wellbore 102 such that the sealed interface 500 is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space 110 that has been received within the downhole wellbore space 110 from the subterranean formation 100:

-   -   the reservoir fluid is conducted to the reservoir fluid receiver         602 via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12;     -   the reservoir fluid is conducted to the reservoir fluid         discharge communicator 604 by the reservoir fluid conductor 603         and discharged to the reservoir fluid separation space 112X of         the uphole wellbore space 108;     -   within the reservoir fluid separation space 112X, a gas-depleted         reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir         fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained;     -   the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, and the received         gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted from the gas-depleted         reservoir fluid receiver 608 to the pump 300 via at least the         conductor 610 and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge         communicator 611.

In some embodiments, for example, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 is disposed below the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, in which case, the receiving of the obtained gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 is effected by conduction of the obtained gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 in a downhole direction.

In some embodiments, for example, the insert-receiving part 622 and the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 are further co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly 10, having the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 disposed within the passageway 626 of the insert-receiving part 622, is disposed within the wellbore 102 such that the sealed interface 500 is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space 110 that has been received within the downhole wellbore space 110 from the subterranean formation 100:

-   -   bypassing of the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, by         the reservoir fluid flow being received by the reservoir fluid         receiver 602, is at least interfered with (such as, for example,         prevented or substantially prevented) by the flow         diverter-effecting insert 624 that is disposed within the         passageway 626, such that the received reservoir fluid flow is         conducted to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 and         discharged into the wellbore 102 such that gaseous material is         separated from the discharged reservoir fluid flow within the         wellbore 102 in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that         a gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is obtained and conducted to         the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 such that a         gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is received by the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608; and     -   bypassing of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge         communicator 612, by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow being         received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, is at         least interfered with (such as, for example, prevented or         substantially prevented) by the flow diverter-effecting insert         624 that is disposed within the passageway 626, such that         gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is conducted to the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 612 for         discharging of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow via the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid communicator 612;

In some of these embodiments, for example, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is further configured for disposition relative to the passageway 626 such that a passageway sealed interface 628 is established. In this respect, the insert-receiving part 622 and the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 are further co-operatively configured such that a passageway sealed interface 628 is established while the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is disposed within the passageway 626 of the insert-receiving part 622, with effect that:

-   -   the passageway 626 is disposed in fluid communication with the         reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 via a passageway         portion 630 that is disposed downhole relative to the passageway         sealed interface 628, such that fluid communication is effected         between the reservoir fluid receiver 602 and the reservoir fluid         discharge communicator 604; and     -   the passageway 626 is disposed in fluid communication with the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 via a passageway         portion 632 that is disposed uphole relative to the passageway         sealed interface 628, such that fluid communication is effected         between the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 and the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 612;     -   and, while the assembly 10, having the flow diverter-effecting         insert 624 disposed within the passageway 626 of the         insert-receiving part 622, is disposed within the wellbore 102         such that the sealed interface 500 is defined, and the reservoir         fluid-supplying conductor 12 is receiving reservoir fluid from         the downhole wellbore space 110 that has been received within         the downhole wellbore space 110 from the subterranean formation         100:     -   bypassing of the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, by         reservoir fluid flow, that is received by the reservoir fluid         receiver 602, is prevented, or substantially prevented, by the         passageway sealed interface 628, such that the received         reservoir fluid flow is conducted, via the passageway portion         630 disposed downhole relative to the passageway sealed         interface 628, to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator         604, such that the received reservoir fluid flow is discharged         into the wellbore 102 and gaseous material is separated from the         discharged reservoir fluid flow within the wellbore 102 in         response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted         reservoir fluid flow is obtained and conducted to the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 such that the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is received by the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608; and     -   bypassing of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge         communicator 612, by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow, that         is received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608, is         prevented, or substantially prevented, by the passageway sealed         interface 628, such that the received gas-depleted reservoir         fluid flow is conducted, via the passageway portion 632 disposed         uphole relative to the passageway sealed interface 628, from the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 to the gas-depleted         reservoir fluid discharge communicator 612 such that the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is discharged from the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 612.

In some embodiments, for example, the passageway sealed interface 628 is effected by sealing engagement, or substantially sealing engagement, of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 with the insert-receiving part 622. In some embodiments, for example, the sealing engagement, or substantially sealing engagement, of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 with the passageway 626 is effected by a sealing member 628A that is coupled to the flow diverter-effecting insert 624. In some embodiments, a sealing member 629 is also coupled to the flow diverter effecting insert 624 for protecting the sealing area (defined between sealing members 628A and 629) from erosion and corrosion.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is elongated and includes a first end 624A and a second end 624B. The sealing member 628A extends about an external surface 624C of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624. The first end 624A is shaped (such as, for example, cone-shaped) to urge the flow of reservoir fluid, received by the reservoir fluid receiver 602, towards the reservoir fluid conductor branches 603. The ports 6245 (such as, for example, in the form of slots formed through the external surface 624C of the part 624) are relatively closer to the first end 624A, and the port 6243 is disposed at the second end 624B. A fluid passage 6244 extends along, or substantially along, the central longitudinal axis of the part 624, from the ports 6245 to the port 6243 for conducting fluid received by the ports 6245 to the port 6243. The flow diverter-effecting insert 624 and the insert-receiving part 622 are further co-operatively configured such that:

-   -   the ports 6245 are disposed for receiving the gas-depleted         reservoir fluid flow from corresponding gas-depleted reservoir         fluid conductor branches 610(a)-(f) that extend from the         gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608;     -   the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow, that is received by the         ports 6245, is conducted, via the fluid passage 6244 to the port         6243, for discharging, via the port 6243, into the passageway         portion 632 disposed uphole relative to the passageway sealed         interface 628, for discharging via the gas-depleted reservoir         fluid discharge communicator 612;     -   the sealing member 628A:         -   (i) prevents, or substantially prevents, bypassing of the             ports 6245 by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow being             conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor             branches 610(a)-(f); and         -   (ii) prevents, or substantially prevents, bypassing of the             reservoir fluid conductor branches 603(a)-(f) by reservoir             fluid flow that is received by the reservoir fluid receiver             602, such that the received reservoir fluid flow is             conducted, via: (a) the passageway portion 630 disposed             downhole relative to the passageway sealed interface 628,             and (b) the branches 603(a)-(f), to the reservoir fluid             discharge communicator 604,     -   while the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is disposed within         the passageway 626 of the insert-receiving part 622, such as         while the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is disposed in the         flow diverter-defining position.

In some embodiments, for example, and referring to FIG. 9, the reservoir fluid flow, from the downhole wellbore space 610, is received by the reservoir fluid receiver 602 (in this embodiment, the inlet port 602A), and conducted through the downhole passageway portion 630 to the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 (in the form of reservoir fluid outlet ports 604(a)-(f), and the conduction from the downhole passageway portion 630 to the ports 604(a)-(f) is effected via a plurality of reservoir fluid conductor branches 603(a)-(f) extending between the downhole passageway portion 630 and the ports 604(a)-(f)), as is represented by flowpath 10. The passageway sealed interface 628 prevents, or substantially prevents, the received reservoir fluid flow within the passageway portion 630 from bypassing the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604 such that a reservoir fluid flow is discharged through the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604. Upon discharging from the reservoir fluid discharge communicator 604, the reservoir fluid flow becomes disposed within the uphole wellbore space 108 and, while the discharged reservoir fluid is disposed within the uphole wellbore space 108, gaseous material is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is obtained. Because the wellbore sealed interface 500 is preventing, or substantially preventing, the bypassing of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 by the obtained gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow, the obtained gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is conducted to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608. The gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow, received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 (in the form of inlet ports 608(a)-(f)), is conducted to the uphole passageway portion 632, via: (i) a plurality of gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor branches 610(a)-(f) extending between the gas-depleted reservoir fluid receiver 608 and the uphole passageway portion 632), (ii) the ports 6245, (iii) the fluid passage 6244 of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624, and (iv) the port 6243, as is represented by flowpath 12. The passageway sealed interface 628 prevents, or substantially prevents, the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow from bypassing the ports 6245 such that the gas-depleted reservoir fluid flow is discharged through the gas-depleted reservoir fluid discharge communicator 612.

In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is disposed for becoming releasably retained relative to the insert-receiving part 622 via a coupler 804 incorporated in the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14 such that the flow diverter-effecting insert is disposed within the passageway in the flow diverter-defining position. In some embodiments, for example, the releasable retention is effected with a lock mandrel 802 that has been integrated within the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14. In this respect, while disposed in the flow diverter-defining position, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is releasably retained to the insert-receiving part 622 via a lock mandrel 802 that has been integrated within the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14 uphole of the insert-receiving part 622, such that the flow diverter-effecting insert is disposed in the flow diverter-defining position, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 while being releasably retained relative to the insert-receiving part 622. In some embodiments, for example, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is run downhole with the lock mandrel 802 with a running tool and set within the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14 by coupling the lock mandrel 802 to a corresponding nipple 804 within the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14. Exemplary lock mandrels 802 include the Otis XN™ lock mandrel that is available from Halliburton Company. The corresponding nipple for the Otis XN™ lock mandrel is the Otis XN™ nipple.

Upon release from retention relative to the insert-receiving part 622 with a suitable tool, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is displaceable, relative to the insert-receiving part 622 (such as, for example, in an uphole direction through the passage 14A such that the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is removed from the assembly 10) such that occlusion of the passageway of the insert-receiving part, by the flow diverter-effecting insert 624, is defeated, or at least partially defeated (such as, for example, removed or at least partially removed), and such that the insert-receiving part 622 becomes disposed in a non-occluded condition.

In this respect, while the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is releasably retained relative to the insert-receiving part 622, interchangeability of the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 with the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is prevented. Upon release of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 from the retention relative to the insert-receiving part 622, and displacement of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624, relative to the insert-receiving part 622 (such as, for example, in an uphole direction through the a reservoir fluid-producing conductor 210 such that the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is removed from the assembly 10) such that occlusion of the passageway of the insert-receiving part, by the flow diverter-effecting insert 624, is defeated, or at least partially defeated (such as, for example, removed or at least partially removed), the insert-receiving part 622 becomes disposed in a non-occluded condition, and the preventing of the interchangeability of the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 with the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is defeated. In some embodiments, for example, the displacing of the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is effected via slickline.

In some embodiments, for example, the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart 10A, such as, for example, the diverter body portion 601, by coupling between a lock mandrel 806 and a corresponding nipple 808. In some embodiments, for example, the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is run downhole with the lock mandrel with a running tool, through the passageway of the insert receiving part 622, and set within a passage defined within the diverter body portion 601 by coupling the lock mandrel to a corresponding nipple within the diverter body portion 601, such that the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is hung from the nipple. Exemplary lock mandrels include the Otis XN™ lock mandrel that is available from Halliburton Company. The corresponding nipple for the Otis XN™ lock mandrel is the Otis XN™ nipple. In this respect, in some embodiments, for example, the first assembly counterpart 10A further includes the wellbore sealed interface effector 400, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is removable from the assembly 10, without having to remove other components, such as the wellbore sealed interface effector 400.

In some embodiments, for example, to interchange the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 with the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12, the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is removed from the wellbore via the passageway of the insert-receiving part 622 and the reservoir fluid-producing conductor 210. In this respect, prior to the removal of the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 from the wellbore, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624 is removed from the wellbore, and prior to the removal of the insert 624 from the wellbore, the pump 300 is removed from the wellbore. In some embodiments, for example, the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is removable via slickline. In some embodiments, for example, the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is rod retrievable. After the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 has been removed from the wellbore 102, the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is run-in-hole, via the passage 14A, including the passageway 626 of the insert-receiving part 622, and coupled to the same nipple used at which the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 had been releasably retained (using a corresponding lock mandrel) such that the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 is releasably retained relative to the insert-receiving part 622. Sequentially, the flow diverter-effecting insert 624, and then the pump 300, are conveyed downhole through the passage 14A and correspondingly re-deployed within the reservoir fluid conducting assembly 14 so as to enable production using the modified assembly 10 (now with a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 having a narrower cross-sectional flow area).

In some of these embodiments, for example, it is advantageous to switch to a narrower reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 as the reservoir pressure is depleted and the bottomhole pressure is reduced, so as to maintain flow the produced reservoir fluid within the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor 12 at a suitable velocity and mitigate slugging.

In some embodiments, for example, the assembly 10 is emplaced within the wellbore, with effect that the assembly 10 is disposed within the wellbore. After the assembly 10 has been emplaced within the wellbore, the sealed interface effector 400 (e.g. packer) is actuated, thereby establishing the sealed interface 500.

In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present disclosure. Although certain dimensions and materials are described for implementing the disclosed example embodiments, other suitable dimensions and/or materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations, including all suitable current and future changes in technology, are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present disclosure. All references mentioned are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

1. A reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes: a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; an assembly-defining flow diverter counterpart configured for co-operating with a wellbore string-defining flow diverter counterpart of the wellbore string to define a flow diverter including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, and (iii) a sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string such that a sealed interface is defined for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space; and a pump; wherein: the assembly is configured for co-operation with the wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore such that an intermediate wellbore passage is disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string and such that the sealed interface is defined, and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation: the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; the reservoir fluid that is being received by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted, via the intermediate wellbore passage, to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to the pump for pressurizing by the pump; the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasably retained relative to the assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart; and while the assembly is disposed within a wellbore, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasable from the retention relative to the assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart by a downhole tool.
 2. A reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes: a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; a flow diverter body including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, and (iii) a sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string such that a sealed interface is defined for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space; and a pump; wherein: the assembly is configured for co-operation with the wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore such that an intermediate wellbore passage is disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string and such that the sealed interface is defined, and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation: the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; the reservoir fluid that is being received by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted, via the intermediate wellbore passage, to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to the pump for pressurizing by the pump; the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasably retained relative to the flow diverter body; and while the assembly is disposed within a wellbore, the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is releasable from the retention relative to the flow diverter body by a downhole tool.
 3. Parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes: a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; an assembly-defining flow diverter counterpart configured for co-operating with a wellbore string-defining flow diverter counterpart of the wellbore string to define a flow diverter including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, and (iii) a sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string such that a sealed interface is defined for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space; and a pump; wherein: the assembly is configured for co-operation with the wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore such that an intermediate wellbore space is disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string and such that the sealed interface is defined, and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation: the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; the reservoir fluid that is being received by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted, via the intermediate wellbore passage, to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to the pump for pressurizing by the pump; wherein the parts comprise: first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts; the assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart includes first and second assembly-defined flow diverter counterparts; the first assembly counterpart includes the first assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart; the second assembly counterpart includes the second assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart; the third assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid supplying conductor that is a first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; the fourth assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid supplying conductor that is a second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; each one of the second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts is configured for releasable retention relative to the first assembly counterpart; and the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts are co-operatively configured such that: while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and the second and third assembly counterparts are releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, by the second assembly counterpart, is prevented; and while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and the second and third assembly counterparts are releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, in response to release of the second assembly counterpart from retention relative to the first assembly counterpart, the prevention of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, by the second assembly counterpart, is defeated.
 4. The parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in claim 3; wherein the first assembly counterpart includes the wellbore sealed interface effector.
 5. The parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in claim 3; wherein: the releasable retention of the second assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart is independent of the releasable retention of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart, such that each one of the first and second assembly counterparts, independently, is configured for releasable retention relative to the first assembly counterpart; and the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts are co-operatively configured such that: while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and each one of the second and third assembly counterparts, independently, is releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, interchanging of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, is prevented by occlusion of a workstring-conducting passageway by the second assembly counterpart; and while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and each one of the second and third assembly counterparts, independently, is releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, in response to the release of the second assembly counterpart from the retention relative to the first assembly counterpart, the second assembly counterpart becomes displaceable relative to the first assembly counterpart for defeating the occlusion of the workstring-conducting passageway by the second assembly counterpart such that the prevention of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart is defeated.
 6. The parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in claim 3; wherein: the preventing of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart includes preventing of release of the retention of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart; and the defeating of the preventing of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart includes defeating of the preventing of release of the retention of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart such that the third assembly counterpart becomes releasable from the retention relative to the first assembly counterpart for effecting displacement of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart such that occlusion to the workstring-conducting passageway by the third assembly counterpart is defeated with effect that the fourth assembly counterpart is conductible through the workstring-conducting passageway for effecting releasable coupling of the fourth assembly counterpart to the first assembly counterpart such that an assembly is obtained that includes the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor.
 7. Parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes: a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; a flow diverter body including: (i) a reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor, and (iii) a sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string such that a sealed interface is defined for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space; and a pump; wherein: the assembly is configured for co-operation with the wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore such that an intermediate wellbore space is disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string and such that the sealed interface is defined, and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation: the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; the reservoir fluid that is being received by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted, via the intermediate wellbore passage, to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor; and the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid that is being received by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor to the pump for pressurizing by the pump; wherein: the parts comprise first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts; the flow diverter body includes first and second flow diverter body counterparts; the first assembly counterpart includes the first flow diverter body counterpart; the second assembly counterpart includes the second flow diverter body counterpart; the third assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid supplying conductor that is a first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; the fourth assembly counterpart includes a reservoir fluid supplying conductor that is a second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; each one of the second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts is configured for releasable retention relative to the first assembly counterpart; and the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts are co-operatively configured such that: while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and the second and third assembly counterparts are releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, by the second assembly counterpart, is prevented; and while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and the second and third assembly counterparts are releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, in response to release of the second assembly counterpart from retention relative to the first assembly counterpart, the prevention of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, by the second assembly counterpart, is defeated.
 8. The parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in claim 7; wherein the first assembly counterpart includes the wellbore sealed interface effector.
 9. The parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in claim 7; wherein: the releasable retention of the second assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart is independent of the releasable retention of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart, such that each one of the first and second assembly counterparts, independently, is configured for releasable retention relative to the first assembly counterpart; and the first, second, third, and fourth assembly counterparts are co-operatively configured such that: while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and each one of the second and third assembly counterparts, independently, is releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, interchanging of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart, is prevented by occlusion of a workstring-conducting passageway by the second assembly counterpart; and while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore and includes the first, second and third assembly counterparts, and each one of the second and third assembly counterparts, independently, is releasably retained relative to the first assembly counterpart, in response to the release of the second assembly counterpart from the retention relative to the first assembly counterpart, the second assembly counterpart becomes displaceable relative to the first assembly counterpart for defeating the occlusion of the workstring-conducting passageway by the second assembly counterpart such that the prevention of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart is defeated.
 10. The parts for assembly of a reservoir fluid production assembly as claimed in claim 7; wherein: the preventing of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart includes preventing of release of the retention of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart; and the defeating of the preventing of the interchangeability of the third assembly counterpart with the fourth assembly counterpart includes defeating of the preventing of release of the retention of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart such that the third assembly counterpart becomes releasable from the retention relative to the first assembly counterpart for effecting displacement of the third assembly counterpart relative to the first assembly counterpart such that occlusion to the workstring-conducting passageway by the third assembly counterpart is defeated with effect that the fourth assembly counterpart is conductible through the workstring-conducting passageway for effecting releasable coupling of the fourth assembly counterpart to the first assembly counterpart such that an assembly is obtained that includes the second reservoir fluid-supplying conductor.
 11. A process for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation comprising: for a first time interval, while inducing displacement of reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation into a wellbore, within the wellbore: via a first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, conducting the reservoir fluid to a gas separator disposed within the wellbore; via the gas separator, separating gaseous material from the reservoir fluid such that gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; and conducting the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the surface; after completion of the first time interval, suspending the inducing of displacement of the reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation to the wellbore; while the inducing of displacement of reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation to the wellbore is suspended and the gas separation remains disposed within the wellbore, replacing the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor with a second reservoir fluid- supplying conductor; and after the first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor has been replaced with a second reservoir fluid- supplying conductor, resuming inducement of displacement of reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation to the wellbore such that, within the wellbore, the reservoir fluid is conducted, via a first reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, a gas separator, with effect that gaseous material is separated from the reservoir fluid by the gas separator such that gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained and conducted to the surface.
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. A method of deploying a reservoir fluid production assembly downhole within a wellbore; wherein the reservoir fluid production assembly is for producing reservoir fluid from a subterranean formation via a wellbore that is lined with a wellbore string, wherein the wellbore includes a wellbore space, the wellbore space includes a downhole wellbore space and an uphole wellbore space, and the uphole wellbore space is disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, wherein the assembly includes: a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor; an assembly-defined flow diverter counterpart which is configured to co-operate with a wellbore string-defined flow diverter counterpart, of the wellbore string, to define a flow diverter within the wellbore, wherein the flow diverter includes: (i) a reservoir fluid-conducting passage that is fluidly coupled to the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, (ii) a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage, and (iii) an actuatable sealed interface effector for engaging the wellbore string for establishing a sealed interface within the wellbore for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication between the uphole wellbore space and the downhole wellbore space; and a pump disposed in fluid communication with the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage; wherein: the assembly is configured for co-operation with the wellbore string such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore such that the flow diverter is defined, and the downhole wellbore space is receiving reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation: the reservoir fluid is conducted by the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor to the reservoir fluid-conducting passage of the flow diverter; the reservoir fluid, that is being received by the reservoir fluid-conducting passage, is conducted by the reservoir fluid-conducting passage to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space; within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces, such that a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is obtained; and the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage receives the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid, that is flowing in a downhole direction, and diverts the flow of the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid such that the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted by the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-conducting passage in the uphole direction to the pump for pressurizing by the pump; wherein the method includes: emplacing the assembly within the wellbore, with effect that the assembly becomes disposed within the wellbore; and after the assembly has become disposed within the wellbore, actuating the sealed interface effector, with effect that the sealed interface is obtained.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17; wherein: the flow diverter includes an intermediate wellbore passage disposed between the assembly and the wellbore string; and the intermediate wellbore passage is for conducting the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid to the gas-depleted reservoir fluid-diverting conductor. 